Discouragement is an old enemy I have dealt with over the years. And yet, when I look in God’s word I see this is not God’s plan. Consider these three scriptures.

1 John 1:4 “These things we write to you that your joy may be full.”

Psalm 16:11 “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

How do you get this joy? It comes from intimacy with Christ.

Joy is found as we fellowship “with the the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3
Joy is experienced in God’s presence. At His “right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Joy happens when we “abide in [Christ’s] love” John 15:10

So a question I must ask myself is, “Am I happy in the Lord?” And if I am not, then I know I must draw near to God. My joy or lack of joy reveals the level of my spiritual well-being. And if joy is missing, it should be like a flashing red light on the dashboard of my car, alerting me to danger and calling me to immediate action! “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

One day when Jesus returns we are going to have joy forevermore. Jesus promised, “I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22).